COMMERCE – Former Texas A&M University-Commerce president Dr. Keith McFarland will serve as acting provost and vice president of academic affairs at Texas Woman's University beginning March 1.
The President Emeritus will take over for TWU's provost Dr. Kay Clayton, who is leaving due to health reasons and will retire in August.
"We wish her the best and appreciate her many accomplishments and excellent services while at TWU, including her academic leadership and helping to prepare us for our reaffirmation of our accreditation," said TWU's Director of News and Information Amanda Simpson.
McFarland retired from A&M-Commerce in 2008 after spending 10 years as president and CEO. Overall, he spent 38 years in various roles at the university as a history professor, department head, and dean of the graduate school.
Under McFarland's leadership, A&M-Commerce witnessed the construction of a new science building and planetarium, the Morris Recreation Center, Sam Rayburn Student Center, alumni center, and the upcoming music building. Twenty new programs were also added during his time as president.
"He had a strong reputation at Texas A&M-Commerce for implementing significant change and helping to establish the university as a strong leader in academic achievement and diversity," said Simpson.
TWU will begin a national search for a new provost in March.